Cheap aero nose with bolt on splitter, I'd say. There's a TON of benefit to that splitter but even a mild off will demand replacement, hence the need for cheap price. I think the rear wing options have been covered plenty.

The latest aero trends seem to include venting fenders a lot, a la Ferrari's 458 (holes on top of the fronts). The high pressure build-up can be relieved this way apparently so a pair of vented plastic fenders for MX5 might have potential.

Cheap aero nose with bolt on splitter, I'd say. There's a TON of benefit to that splitter but even a mild off will demand replacement, hence the need for cheap price.

What you need is a splitter that mounts independently of the nose. If the splitter attaches to the nose, the nose has to be heavy in order to support it and then you tear both of them off when you inevitably go into the weeds. Splitters need big, sturdy metal frames bolted to the subframe or unibody, and the nose should be sturdy enough to bolt canards to, but no sturdier (read: heavier).

Even if you were to place a diffuser under a splitter to better direct air, I wouldnt doubt that the air would redirect itself anyways right as it passes the splitter. To better that system, you probably could incorporate some type of undertray to the splitter. I've always thought that an undertray extending from under the tranny, protruding out pass the front bumper to also act as a splitter would be an excellent idea. This too can be independent of a nose. I think this plus a more aerodynamic nose will benefit some greatly

Like this for example, but extending pass the bumper to act as a splitter too

That big metal belly pan does not act like a splitter becuase it still lets air go under the car...right?

If you are talking about the Beatrush belly pan. It appears that it has slots in it to evacuate air, however it appears that where they are would be in a high pressure area due to the air hitting that transition point. It would be better off further toward the back, but it does look nice I suppose.

that beatrush panel's shape would induce lift because of the downward ramp half way back. think of it as an upside down deck spoiler you'd put on your trunk.

Trey - A splitter "catches" the air that is coming off the nose of the car and is pushed down by its force. This is more of what causes the downforce than not allowing air under the car. As for the air fron your duct exiting the hood, I guess theoretically you are right, but that air is going to loose speed and become really dirty in your engine bay. The effects won't be the same. But what you are doing is forcing a ton of air through that opening because of the pressure created by the splitter. So you wouldn't need as big of an opening if it was placed at this point in comparison to if it were elsewhere.

Thanks, but my engine is really clean so it should be OK. After yesterday, I want aero on this car. I need a quick-release splitter and an extra trunk for a top fuel wing.

...well I still need a few more hours to get comfortable with the car still, then add the aero, but all in due time. In the middle of 5th I can feel the front lift and the bumps get really smooth...oh, and the brakes don't work. I had to brake really, really early in 3 and 7 at ECR because I was too afraid to go deeper with the lift and the crest in braking. Most of the corners were 3rd gear so not too fast, I have lots of work to do.